PTSD can affect more
than just primary victims

Published: August 3, 2013;Last modified: August 4, 2013 12:05AM

Terrifying events, such as the catastrophic fires our area has experienced this summer, can lead people to suffer flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and depression. If someone is having a very difficult time adjusting and or coping with the effects of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be the cause.

The onset of PTSD may come six months or later after an event. But getting treatment as soon as possible after symptoms develop may prevent long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder or mental health condition that is often triggered by a terrifying event that involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm. The person who develops PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or even to strangers. People serving in the military, veterans and people who have been in accidents or been victims of crime are some who suffer PTSD.

Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for awhile, but with time and self care, such traumatic reactions usually improve. In some cases, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or years. Sometimes, they may completely disrupt your life and the lives of those around you.

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Another aspect is secondary PTSD. Although it is not a recognized psychological disorder according to the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders, it is very real to those who suffer from it.

Secondary PTSD affects people close to the individual who has experienced the traumatic event or to their caregivers. Some therapists may also experience this when counseling people with PTSD.

The level of severity for secondary PTSD varies from person to person, just as it does for the person with PTSD. Not every person will experience secondary PTSD, but it is something to be aware of when living with or caring for someone with PTSD. Treatment for those suffering from secondary PTSD is similar to that of someone with the primary disorder.

Here are a few signs of PTSD, some of which may exist for secondary PTSD, as well:

Experiencing flashbacks, nightmares or bad thoughts

Avoiding places, feelings, events that remind you of the trauma

Being easily startled, agitated or tense

Difficulty sleeping, eating, living life

Becoming emotionally withdrawn, feelings of guilt

There is help and hope for people who have experienced life-changing events. Whether it be PTSD or secondary PTSD, talking with a licensed therapist may be beneficial to recovery.

It is especially important for those with secondary PTSD to get therapy, because one must first take care of himself or herself before trying to take care of others. It is also a great idea to talk with your physician, since he or she can be a key person in your treatment.

Betty Nufer is the Pro Bono Outreach Coordinator for Mental Health America of Colorado and lives in Pueblo. To learn more about free mental health care, call 800-456-3249 or email bnufer@mhacolorado.org.